FAQ

The FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) section contains most of the answers to your questions. If, however, you still have a few unanswered questions regarding the event, please fill in the enquiry form or call us on 1300 UPLIFT (875 438).

How do I register for the event if I cannot do it online?
If you are unable to register online or would like to register offline, please Contact us on either 1300 UPLIFT (875 438) or fill in the enquiry form to request an offline form.

I have registered for the event. When will I receive all the details on where to meet, times etc.?
All the information pertaining to the event including check-in times, rules and safety etc. will be e-mailed to all competitors and available on our website for download in a pre-race information pack approximately 2 weeks before the event date.

What do I get from my registration fee?
Registration into the sensational event will include a lunch from CQ after the event, access to the e-show bag full of goodies plus entry into a large range and variety of challenges and activities. The full list of inclusions can be found here.

How do I know if I should be in the Social or Competitive category?
The Social category is suited to teams who want to enjoy the race at a more leisurely pace with other social racers. While the Competitive category is suited to teams who want to take their racing more seriously, and who are more physically active. A full explanation of the categories can be found here.

Can children enter the event?
Yes. The minimum age we recommend is 12. Anyone under the age of 16 must race with an adult guardian. People over the age of 16 can race without an adult guardian provided they have had their waiver signed by an adult guardian. We do not recommend you bring any children / babies as spectators for the event.

We want to race as a team of 4. Can two teams work together?
Yes! Nothing is preventing 2 teams working in an alliance as a team of 4. Please note though that both teams will need to complete the challenge before it is marked as successfully completed.

Do we need money for public transport?
The event can be done entirely on foot (not recommended unless you’re super fit). We do encourage the use of public transport to minimise the amount of travel on foot. Please ensure you have at least $12 to purchase a Myki card with enough credit for weekend travel. The following link explains where you can buy your Myki card. Feel free to use the free tram network within the CBD.

Do I have to sign a waiver before competing?
Yes. When you arrive on event day, you must have your waiver pre-signed in which you acknowledge (among other things) that by participating in the event you will be exposed to certain risks, including the risk of personal injury. There will be a copy of the waiver form in the pre-race information pack which teams will receive approximately 2 weeks before the event date.

How fit do I have to be to compete and what training is required?
The public Great Amazing Race has been designed to cater to a majority of fitness levels. However, there may be a considerable amount of walking and running (5 – 20km on foot) depending on how you and your team wish to complete the event. It can be done at your own pace, but a majority of the time there will always be the option to use public transport for teams that may not be super fit (reducing the distance covered by foot). We do advise however, to do some preparation leading up to the event. Some walking, jogging or running during your lunch break or around the block a few times a week leading up to the event will assist with the preparation to help accustom your body to the event, and reduce the chance of any injury during the race. Most of the running will be done on urban terrain (asphalt, roads and footpaths). Some of the activities may require some physical stamina, but nothing excessive that will require training for.

How is the Great Amazing Race different from other running and obstacle events?
You’ll do more fun, diverse and crazy stuff in the Great Amazing Race than in any other event! To see some of the activities and challenges from past events, click here to view the photos.

Do we visit the checkpoints in a certain order?
No. The stages can be completed in any order! This is where the strategic element of the event comes into play. No two teams rarely will ever race the same course, this is what makes the event so exciting; working out the most efficient route to avoid backtracking and the potential queues at challenges.

Are we allowed to use taxi, cars, bike share or horse and carriage?
No, only foot and public transport are the permitted means of travel during the event.

How long will the event take?
4.5 hours is provided to teams to complete the event with no penalties. However, fast teams are expected to complete the event in approximately 2.5 hours, and slower teams in 4 to 4.5 hours.

Can I leave bags at the Race HQ?
No. There is no cloak room or storage facilities at the Race HQ (CQ Functions) for competitors to leave any bags or personal belongings. So please travel light.

I’ve ordered event merchandise. When and how I will receive this?
Event merchandise will posted in the mail to all competitors. Merchandise will typically be posted out about 1-2 weeks after being ordered.

Will maps be provided?
Yes, an A3 black and white map will be provided but teams are encouraged to bring their own detailed maps of the CBD and surrounding suburbs or use their smart phones.

How do I raise money for the Royal Children’s Hospital?
You can raise money for the Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation by creating a fundraising page via the Everyday Hero link. Each team that can raise $50 or more for the Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation will automatically receive a Chase Stage pass which will allow them to skip a Chase stage on the day of the event.

Can I change categories (i.e. Social/Competitive) once I register?
Yes. Please email or call us at least 7 days prior to the event.

How do I change the category I have registered in?
Contact us on either 1300 UPLIFT (875 438) or fill in the enquiry form to request the change.

What if my team member is no longer able to compete?
You can change partners. Contact us on either 1300 UPLIFT (875 438) or fill in the enquiry form to request the change at least 7 days before the event.

Do I have to dress up?
You don’t have to but many of our participants do and we encourage teams to be creative and get into the spirit. There are prizes for the best dressed team!

Have you got an event brochure I can send to my friends?
Yes, flyers and an information pack is available for download on the Help Promote page.

Are journalists allowed in for free?
Yes (subject to certain terms and conditions). Please contact us on 1300 UPLIFT (875 438) or fill in the enquiry form for more information for journalists, including instructions on how to register for your free press entry.

Can I bring my camera?
Absolutely. Our officials and event photographers will be taking photos at the various stages throughout the day, but we encourage you to take your own photos and share them on our Facebook page!